JIMTOF (Japan International Machine Tool Fair) is one of the world's leading machine tool fairs, held every two years (even years) at Tokyo Big Sight.
Machine tool, tooling, peripheral and software makers from Japan and abroad gather in one place, so you can compare the latest machines and technologies on live demonstrations.
This page outlines JIMTOF, what to prepare before you visit, and our guide for each edition. It is updated for every fair.
Information below was checked against the official JIMTOF website on October 18, 2026. Dates and admission rules can change, so please confirm on the official site before you visit.
Latest: JIMTOF2026 (33rd)
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2026.10.26– 10.31 (6 days)
JIMTOF2026 (33rd Japan International Machine Tool Fair)Upcoming
Tokyo Big Sight / 10:00–17:00 (until 16:00 on the last day) / Organized by the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association and Tokyo Big Sight Inc. Registration is required for admission.
JIMTOF2026 guide (admission, routing and highlights)Official site
JIMTOF Guides
For each edition we publish a guide covering preparation, how to tour the fair and what to look for.
What Is JIMTOF?
- Official name
- Japan International Machine Tool Fair
- Frequency
- Biennial (even years). In odd years MECT (Mechatronics Technology Japan) is held in Nagoya, so a major show takes place almost every year
- Venue
- Tokyo Big Sight (Tokyo International Exhibition Center)
- Organizers
- Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association / Tokyo Big Sight Inc.
- Exhibits
- Machine tools, cutting tools, measuring instruments, peripherals, software, automation and robotics
- Official site
- https://www.jimtof.org/en/
Alongside EMO in Europe, IMTS in the United States and CIMT in China, JIMTOF is one of the world's major machine tool fairs and a venue where makers unveil new products.
The leading CNC automatic lathe makers run live machining demonstrations, so it is a rare chance to compare several manufacturers on the same day.
Three Ways to Get the Most Out of JIMTOF
- Register in advanceAdmission is by registration only. Register on the official site beforehand and bring a printed visitor pass. Advance tickets are cheaper than same-day tickets.
- Decide your goal and the booths to visitBe clear about what you want, such as comparing the latest models or discussing a machining problem, then use the official exhibitor search to list the booths and plan your route.
- Bring drawings of your own partsAsking at the booth whether a part can be machined and which model suits it, with a drawing in hand, yields the most useful answers.
Admission fees, packing tips and questions to ask are covered in the JIMTOF2026 Guide.
For the structural basics to compare, see Types & Structures, and for how to choose a model see How to Choose a Manufacturer and Model.
Star Micronics at JIMTOF2026
- Booth
- South Exhibition Hall, South Hall 1, booth S1003 (note: the South Halls, not the East Halls)
- Theme
- "Redefining the Possibilities of Precision Machining"
- Machines (4)
- SB-12RⅡ (new, Japan debut) / SX-38R type B (new) / SP-32 / SL-10
- Exhibits
- Live machining of parts for four growth fields (humanoid robots, medical, drones, EVs), automation solutions, and software (Step Cycle Pro, Deburring Cycle, SMOOSS-i, PU-Advance)
* This box is an advertisement (PR). Exhibit details are taken from the Star Micronics special site as of October 14, 2026. Check that site for the latest information.
FAQ
Q. How often is JIMTOF held?
A. Every two years, in even years, at Tokyo Big Sight. The next edition is JIMTOF2026 (October 26–31, 2026).
Q. What is the difference between JIMTOF and MECT?
A. JIMTOF is an international fair held in Tokyo in even years; MECT is a specialized show held in Nagoya in odd years. They alternate, so a major show takes place almost every year.
Q. What do I need to get in?
A. Admission is by registration only. The smoothest way in is to register on the official website in advance and bring a printed visitor pass (on-site registration is also possible but may take time). See the JIMTOF2026 Guide for fees and advance tickets.
Q. Will future editions be covered here?
A. Yes. We add a guide for each edition and link to it from this page once the official dates are announced.
Summary
JIMTOF is a biennial international fair where you can compare the latest machine tools, CNC automatic lathes included, in one place.
Register in advance, decide your goal and booths, and bring drawings of your parts to come away with information you can act on.
See the JIMTOF2026 Guide for the upcoming edition and the Exhibition Schedule for the year's shows.